April 2-3

Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ, 

Today there is a subtle but significant shift in our Lenten journey.  Presently, we have been responding to Our Lord’s call, “to repent and believe the Good News”. We have taken seriously the need for repentance and making a change in our lives if they have not been in conformity with the Gospel. Now, we focus on the very act of God in the Passion of Jesus Christ, which has made that repentance and renewal of life possible. In this season of Passiontide, ever more intently, we consider the price of our salvation. The words of the prophet Isaiah in today’s First Reading echo the voice of God: “…see I am doing something new!”…  The “new” is the re-creation of humanity through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus. Though mankind did not comprehend the mystery of this New Creation, and many still do not today; this merciful act of God has expiated our sins and restored our relationship with our Heavenly Father. 

Every act and deed of our Lord was a preparation and focus on what He would do on Calvary. Think of the adulterous women in today’s Gospel. Why was there no punishment for her on the part of Jesus? That is because He would take the punishment upon Himself.  Whereas the women, and we ourselves, should pay the price for our sins, He took our place. There on the cross began “something new;” there began the new creation.  

Mindful of what our Savior has done for us we must make every effort to recall these days by our participation in all of the forthcoming celebrations of Holy Week and the Sacred Triduum (three days). You will find enclosed in today’s bulletin a schedule of all that will be offered. Please keep it in a prominent place in your home as you make your preparations for participating in these most important days of our salvation. 

With Blessings, 

Father Langan